Jump to full article: Mansfield (OH) News Journal, 2009-11-15
Author: TERRICHA BRADLEY News Journal
Intro: Groups opposing the state smoking ban have taken the fight up a notch, citing evidence of ballot fraud -- more than three years after voters approved the ban.
Opponents of Ohio Bans said the petition that placed the smoking ban on the 2006 statewide ballot was tainted by numerous irregularities, such as 46 convicted felons gathering signatures. The group claims the petitions should have never been certified.
Nearly 59 percent of voters approved the ban in 2006. The ban prohibits smoking in most public places in Ohio, including bars and restaurants.
According to an Ohio News Network report, members of Buckeye Liquor Permit Holders Association want the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the fraud claims. They want family-owned businesses and private clubs exempted from the ban.
Under ban rules, "private residences; family-owned businesses without non-family employees; certain areas of nursing homes; outdoor patios; and some retail tobacco stores are exempt."
Association officials also are threatening a class action lawsuit for the hundreds of bars they claim went out of business because of the ban.
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